Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon has launched a stinging attack on US President Barack Obama’s foreign policy, telling the United States that “if your image in the world is feebleness, it doesn’t pay”.

Speaking at an event at Tel Aviv University, Yaalon criticises Obama’s perceived weakness around the world in China, Ukraine and the Middle East.

“I heard voices of disappointment in the region. I was in Singapore and heard disappointment about China getting stronger and the US getting weaker,” Yaalon said.

“Look what’s happening in Ukraine, where the United States is demonstrating weakness, unfortunately,” he continued.

The defence minister chastens Obama for not being proactive in tackling sources of terrorism abroad, despite the onset of US drone strikes across Asia against terrorism targets and the capture of Osama Bin Laden.

“If you sit and wait at home, the terrorism will come again,” said Yaalon.

“Even if you hunker down, it will come. This is a war of civilizations. If your image is feebleness, it doesn’t pay in the world. Nobody will replace the United States as global policeman. I hope the United States comes to its senses. If it doesn’t, it will challenge the world order, and the United States is the one that will suffer.”